A 34-year-old man has been remanded in custody following a serious attack in Strabane Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Corie McKenna, from Sheskin Park, Greysteel is charged with attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possessing of an offensive weapon namely a kettle of boiling water with intent to commit an indictable offence.
A detective constable aware of the facts of the case told a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court the charges could be connected.
She explained how the committal hearing was scheduled to take place with Dylan McCrossan (32) from Beechmount Village, Strabane was due to be returned for trial.
He is accused of murdering Stephen Holmes who suffered serious injuries during an alleged incident in Strabane on 3 February 2025.
The thirty-one-year-old was treated in the Intensive Care Unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he passed away from his injuries five days later.
The incident occurred while a court was sitting although not in the actual courtroom, however it led to proceedings being suspended for almost two hours.
Both families were in the general area outside the court when McKenna is alleged to have approached with a kettle of boiled water which was thrown over the victim Richard McCrossan, brother of the accused.
McKenna then allegedly fled the scene and scuffle broke out between the two families.
The victim suffered serious burns to his face, arm and torso and was taken to hospital by ambulance then transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital.
McKenna was arrested at his home later that night and during interview accepted being at the courthouse and there were verbal exchanges, but denied any role in the assault.
Objecting to bail the detective said McKenna has an extensive criminal record of 35 convictions including criminal damage, assaults, anti-social behaviour and obstructing police.
She added, “The victim is in fear of the defendant and has been identified by a number of witnesses.”
The defence contended this is essentially an assault case to which District Judge Oonagh Mullan replied, “A very serious assault case.”
The defence said, “I don’t question that particularly given the location of a courthouse. The fact remains he denies carrying out the assault. He disputes the witness identification which appears to come from the victim and his partner.”
Judge Mullan said, “These are very serious charges and I am not minded to grant bail. The victim quite clearly has been put in fear. Other potential witnesses have to be spoken to as well
McKenna will appear again by video-link next month.
McCrossan had been brought to court in person for the hearing and members of his family had attended.
Mr Holmes’ family were also present as they have been at every hearing to date.
However while the court was dealing with other cases a scuffle broke out at the causing District Judge Alana McSorley immediately halt proceedings.
Seconds later a court official dashed into the courtroom and grabbed a jug of water from one of the benches and rushed back out.
It transpired the victim and his partner had been outside the courtroom when the attack occurred, with McKenna allegedly carrying a kettle which had been boiled elsewhere in the courthouse.
An ambulance attended after a man was scalded on his face, neck and shoulder having been doused in boiling water at the doors into the courtroom.
This was used to cool the wounded man’s scald injuries while awaiting an ambulance.
Around two hours after the incident the court resumed but the judge said following consultation with the Office of the Lady Chief Justice in view of what has occurred, in court the committal was adjourned until May 14.
